Expert: Rev. Stuart Woodward - 9/3/2006

Question
Hi there,

According to your knowledge and beliefs what is your stance about fornication today? Do you still consider it a horrible sin or is it not an issue anymore since today we have better use of contraceptives, and we have genetic tests to prove whose kid is whos etc....
i can understand its problem in the older days, but not today. I think times have changed too greatly so it is surprising that most followers of the world's religions whether jewish, chrisian, muslim, hindu,etc..insist on how sinful it is (whether they do it or not) and do not really question whether such a rule still applies today or not (which may be called blind faith if one doesnt question)...i would like to know your views and beliefs and perhaps learn something from you

ps: if u have something to say about homosexuality id love to hear about it too...i know homosexuals and that its for a fact that it isnt in their hands who they are attracted to..so it just doesnt feel right when religious ppl say they are damned to hell for following their heart.."

Answer
Hi Doudi,
Thank you for your question. The bible is clear about fornication, adultery and homosexual practice. They are all sin and wrong. Both Old Testament and New Testament are agreed on this. Then comes the question as to whether modern times have gievn us a reason to change our minds about this and therefore suggest that the bible's teaching is only for a different time and culture.
The answer lies in how the bible regards sex and marriage. Biblically sexual intercourase is the coming together of two people physically to make them one. Although it is pleasurable its purpose is both reproduction and the total giving of one human being to another at every level for life. Our society regards sex differently. It is seen as a right to be enjoyed. The bible does not see it this way. When there is a conflict between a culture and biblical teaching it is not the bible that is wrong.
All sin separates us from God and can be forgiven through the death of Jesus on the cross as He took the penalty for that sin on Himself. Sexual sin is a part of this though it is only more serious, Paul tells us, because it damages the body of the person committing that sin by defiling it.
I try to take my moral values from the bible. The alternative is to allow a free for all where all sorts of 'moralities' exist often worked out to suit our cravings and desires. This can't be right.
We need to come to a time where women are respected by men and vice versa, not seen as a commodity through which to get our pleasures.
I know people who say they cannot help being sexually attracted to children and therefore as it is natural it must be OK. Just because a thing feels natural or 'follows the heart' cannot be the basis on which we form the moral values of our world.
God loves sinners of all kinds (including me) and sent Jesus to make a way by which we can all be forgiven and given a way of living that is free from guilt, fear and regret. But that can only be achived His way, not ours. My job is to show the love of God to all people and help them realise the freedom that there is in Jesus Christ.
My experience is that those who are involved in persistent fornication, adultery and homosexual practice are far from free and that saddens me.
I am no man's judge. I can just try to show the full teaching of the bible on lifestyle issues and give the warnings contained there.
History is full of humans trying to make a tame God who suits there preferences. God will not be trapped by our limited understanding.
I am sorry if any of this seems harsh. However, I cannot be untrue to the plain teaching of the bible. I am just grateful that there is enough mercy in God to have forgiven me and that He gave me the grace to throw myself on that mercy.
I wish you God's blessing,
Stuart Woodward